Thanksgiving 2026 is on Thursday, November 26. In the days around it, millions of people travel across the country, and the New York area's airports are among the busiest in the world. Roads to JFK, LaGuardia and Newark fill up, terminals get crowded and rideshare prices can spike just when you need a ride most.
With a bit of planning, you can avoid most of that stress. Here's how.
Know the Busiest Days
Holiday traffic is not spread evenly across the week:
- Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are usually the busiest days to leave the city, especially Wednesday afternoon and evening.
- Thanksgiving Day itself is often quieter, particularly in the morning.
- Sunday after Thanksgiving is typically one of the busiest days for returning travelers.
If your dates are flexible, flying early in the week or on Thanksgiving morning can make the whole trip easier.
Leave Earlier Than Usual
On a normal day, the drive from Midtown to LaGuardia (about 8 miles) or JFK (about 15 miles) can be quick. During Thanksgiving week, the same trip can take much longer. Add extra time to your usual plan for:
- Traffic on the highways and bridges leading to the airports.
- Busy terminal roads and drop-off curbs.
- Longer lines at check-in, bag drop and security.
Your chauffeur plans the route in real time and suggests a pickup time based on your flight and the expected traffic.
Book Your Car Service in Advance
During peak weeks, last-minute rides can be hard to find and expensive. Booking ahead gives you:
- A guaranteed pickup at a time that works for your flight.
- A fixed fare, quoted and confirmed before you travel, with no surge pricing.
- Your chauffeur's details by text before your ride, so there's no guessing at the curb.
You can book online, on WhatsApp or by phone at +1 (347) 750-9559, 24/7.
Arriving for the Holiday? Let Us Track Your Flight
If family or friends are flying in, delays are common during busy weeks. We track every flight in real time and move the pickup to the actual landing time at no charge. Complimentary wait time is 60 minutes for international arrivals and 30 minutes for domestic arrivals, counted from landing. Meet and greet at baggage claim is included, and your chauffeur helps with the luggage.
Pick a Vehicle for Holiday Luggage
Holiday trips often mean extra bags and gifts. Choose a vehicle with space to spare:
- Cadillac Escalade ESV or Lincoln Navigator: up to 6 passengers and 4 large suitcases.
- Chevrolet Suburban: up to 6 passengers with 4 large suitcases, ideal for families.
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Executive: 8 to 10 passengers and 10 large suitcases for larger groups.
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: 12 to 14 passengers.
Travelling with children? Child car seats are available on request. Just share your children's ages when you book. See our family transportation for more.
Which Airport Should You Use?
If you are still booking flights, our guide to JFK vs LaGuardia vs Newark explains which airport suits which trip. Heading to Westchester or Connecticut for the holiday? Westchester County Airport (HPN) is often the more convenient choice.
Holiday Travel Checklist
- Book your car as soon as your flights are confirmed.
- Share your flight number so we can track it.
- Plan to leave earlier than usual, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Tell us how many bags you have, including gifts and strollers.
- Request child seats in advance.
Happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels. See all our airport transfer services.